Synthesis of P-chiral bisphospholane ligands and their transition metal complexes for use as asymmetric hydrogenation catalysts

ABSTRACT

P-chiral bisphospholane ligands and methods for their preparation are described. Use of metal/P-chiral bisphospholane complexes to catalyze asymmetric transformation reactions to provide high enantiomeric excesses of formed compounds is also described.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to P-chiral bisphospholane ligands andmethods for their preparation. In addition, this invention relates tothe formation of metal/P-chiral bisphospholane complexes that catalyzeasymmetric transformation reactions to generate high enantiomericexcesses of formed compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There is a growing trend in the pharmaceutical industry to marketchiral drugs in enantiomerically pure form in order to provide desiredpositive effects in humans. Production of enantiomerically purecompounds is important for several reasons. First, one enantiomer oftenprovides a desired biological function through interactions with naturalbinding sites, but another enantiomer typically does not have the samefunction or effect. Further, it is possible that one enantiomer hasharmful side effects, while another enantiomer provides a desiredpositive biological activity. To meet this demand for chiral drugs, manyapproaches for obtaining enantiomerically pure compounds have beenexplored such as diastereomeric resolution, structural modification ofnaturally occurring chiral compounds, asymmetric catalysis usingsynthetic chiral catalysts and enzymes, and the separation ofenantiomers using simulated moving bed (SMB) technology.

[0003] Asymmetric catalysis is often the most efficient method because asmall amount of a chiral catalyst can be used to produce a largequantity of a chiral target molecule. Over the last two decades, morethan a half-dozen commercial industrial processes have been developedthat use asymmetric catalysis as the key step in the production ofenantiomerically pure compounds with a tremendous effort focused ondeveloping new asymmetric catalysts for these reactions (Morrison J. D.,ed. Asymmetric Synthesis, Academic Press: New York, 1985:(5); BosnichB., ed. Asymmetric Catalysis, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers: Dordrecht,Netherlands, 1986; Brunner H., Synthesis, 1988:645; Scheffold R., ed.Modern Synthetic Methods, Springer-Verlag: Berlin Hedelberg,1989;115(5); Nugent W. A., RajanBabu T. V., Burk M. J., Science,1993;259:479; Ojima I., ed. Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis, VCH: NewYork, 1993; Noyori R., Asymmetric Catalysis In Organic Synthesis, NewYork: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1994).

[0004] Chiral phosphine ligands have played a significant role in thedevelopment of novel transition metal catalyzed asymmetric reactions toproduce enantiomeric excess of compounds with desired activities. Thefirst successful attempts at asymmetric hydrogenation of enamidesubstrates were accomplished in the late 1970's using chiralbisphosphines as transition metal ligands (Vineyard B. D., Knowles W.S., Sabacky M. J., Bachman G. L., Weinkauff D. J., J. Am. Chem. Soc.,1977;99(18):5946-5952; Knowles W. S., Sabacky M. J., Vineyard B. D.,Weinkauff D. J., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1975;97(9):2567-2568).

[0005] Since these first published reports, there has been an explosionof research geared toward the synthesis of new chiral bisphosphineligands for asymmetric hydrogenations and other chiral catalytictransformations (Ojima I., ed. Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis, VCHPublishers, Inc., 1993; Ager D. J., ed. Handbook of Chiral Chemicals,Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1999). Highly selective rigid chiral phospholaneligands have been used to facilitate these asymmetric reactions. Forexample, phospholane ligands are used in the asymmetric hydrogenation ofenamide substrates and other chiral catalytic transformations.

[0006] BPE, Duphos, and BisP ligands are some of the most efficient andbroadly useful ligands developed for asymmetric hydrogenation to date.Burk M. J., Chemtracts 11(11), 787-802 (CODEN: CHEMFW ISSN:1431-9268.CAN 130:38423; AN 1998:698087 CAPLUS) 1998; Burk M. J., Bienewald F.,Harris M., Zanotti-Gerosa A., Angew. Chem., Int. ed.,1998;37(13/14):1931-1933; Burk M. J., Casy G. Johnson N. B., J. Org.Chem., 1998;63(18):6084-6085; Burk M. J., Kalberg C. S., Pizzano A., J.Am. Chem. Soc., 1998;120(18):4345-4353; Burk M. J., Harper T. G. P.,Kalberg C. S., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1995;117(15):4423-4424; Burk M. J.,Feaster J. E., Nugent W. A., Harlow R. L., J. Am. Chem. Soc.,1993;115(22):10125-10138; Nugent W. A., RajanBabu T. V., Burk M. J.,Science (Washington, D.C., 1883-) 1993;259(5094):479-483; Burk M. J.,Feaster J. E., Harlow R. L., Tetrahedron: Asymmetry, 1991;2(7):569-92;Burk M. J., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1991;113(22):8518-8519; Imamoto T.,Watanabe J., Wada Y., Masuda H., Yamada H., Tsuruta H., Matsukawa S.,Yamaguchi K., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1998;120(7):1635-1636; Zhu G., Cao P.,Jiang Q., Zhang X., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1997; 19(7):1799-1800. Forexample, a Rhodium/Duphos complex can be used to selectively form(S)-(+)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, known as pregabalin,which is used as an anti-seizure drug. The S-enantiomer, which isproduced in an enantiomeric excess, is preferred because it shows betteranticonvulsant activity than the R-enantiomer. Yuen et al., Bioorganic &Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 1994;4:823.

[0007] The success of BPE, DuPhos, and BisP transition metal complexesin asymmetric hydrogenations is derived from many factors. For example,substrate to catalyst ratios of up to 50,000/1 have been demonstrated.Also, high rates of substrate conversion to product using low hydrogenpressures have been observed with catalysts made from these ligands.

[0008] BPE, Duphos, and BisP have shown high enantioselectivities innumerous asymmetric reactions. Improved reaction of BPE, Duphos, andBisP is attributed to, among other factors, rigidity in theirC₂-symmetric structure. If the spatial area of a metal/phosphine ligandstructure, such as BPE, is divided into four quadrants, as shown inScheme 1, alternating hindered and unhindered quadrants are formed.

[0009] This structural feature creates areas of hindrance in the metalcomplexes and produces desired stereochemical results in asymmetrichydrogenation reactions. However, there are a variety of reactions, suchas catalysis of simple olefins, in which these ligands are not veryefficient in terms of activity and selectivity.

[0010] Further, there are many characteristics associated with theseligands, which may limit their application. For example, the chiralcenter of these ligands is not directly bonded to the metal center. Thismay reduce the effectiveness of enantioselectivity in asymmetricreactions because the chirality of the ligands helps direct thestereochemistry during the reaction of a target molecule with themetal/chiral ligand complex. Therefore, bonding a chiral atom closer tothe metal center may increase the formation of enantiomeric excesses.Also, bulky substituents in the unhindered regions may limit theavailability and reactivity of the metal center to the target molecule.

[0011] Improved chiral phosphine ligands are needed that can furtherimprove the production of enantiomerically active forms of compoundsthrough asymmetric catalysis. Thus, there is a need to develop methodsfor the production of and to synthesize compounds that bond a chiralphosphine atom directly to a metal center and remove prohibitivesubstituents from the ligand to improve enantioselectivity in asymmetricreactions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides for P-chiral bisphospholane ligandenantiomers and methods for their preparation. P-chiral bisphospholaneswhen complexed with a metal, serve as catalysts in asymmetrichydrogenation reactions to facilitate the formation of a desiredstereoisomer. A P-chiral bisphospholane compound of the presentinvention is represented by the structural Formula I:

[0013] wherein:

[0014] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group; and

[0015] a Bridge is a —(CH2)_(n)— where n is an integer from 1 to 12, a1,2-divalent phenyl, or a 1,2-divalent substituted phenyl. Thecorresponding enantiomer of Compound I is another compound of thepresent invention.

[0016] Another P-chiral bisphospholane compound of the present inventionhas the structural Formula VII:

[0017] wherein:

[0018] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group; and

[0019] each Y is independently halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy,nitro, amino, vinyl, substituted vinyl, alkynyl, or sulfonic acid, and nis an integer from 0 to 4 equal to the number of unsubstituted aromaticring carbons. The corresponding enantiomer of general Compound VII isanother compound of the present invention.

[0020] Compounds formed during the synthesis of P-chiral bisphospholaneligands include compounds with the structural Formulae V and VIa andtheir corresponding enantiomers:

[0021] wherein:

[0022] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group; and

[0023] G is an alkyl group containing up to about 12 carbon atoms, NR′₂,OR′, SR′, or SiMe₃, wherein R′ is hydrogen, an alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, an aralkyl group; or a ring substituted aralkyl group.

[0024] wherein:

[0025] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group; and

[0026] a Bridge is a —(CH₂)_(n)— where n is an integer from 1 to 12, a1,2-divalent phenyl, or

[0027] a 1,2-divalent substituted phenyl.

[0028] Other intermediates formed in alternative synthetic routes toP-chiral phospholanes are compounds with the structural Formulae Vb andVIb:

[0029] wherein:

[0030] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group;

[0031] G is an alkyl group containing up to about 12 carbon atoms; NR′₂,OR′, SR′, or SiMe₃, wherein R′ is hydrogen, an alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, an aralkyl group; or a ring substituted aralkyl group;

[0032] X is S or O; and

[0033] a Bridge is a —(CH₂)_(n)— where n is an integer from 1 to 12, a1,2-divalent phenyl, or a 1,2-divalent substituted phenyl.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention is directed to methods forforming P-chiral bisphospholane ligands. The methods include preparing acompound of Formula I through several intermediates, as shown in Schemes3 and 4. One method, for example, includes steps of reacting a bulkyalkoxy compound, such as (−)-menthol, with phosphorous trichloride toform a first intermediate of the Formula IIa. The first intermediate isreacted with a divalent alkyl di-Grignard solution and a borane methylsulfide complex to form a second intermediate with, for example, theFormula IIIa. The second intermediate is then reacted with a chiralbase, for example, s-butyl lithium/(−)-sparteine, and an electrophilefor enantioselective alkylation of the second intermediate to form athird intermediate, such as IVa. The third intermediate is reacted withmethyl anion, such as methyl lithium, to form a fourth intermediatewith, for example, the structural Formula Va. The fourth intermediate isthen reacted with an oxidative coupling agent to form a fifthintermediate, such as VIa. Compound VIa can be reacted with a boraneremoving mixture, as depicted n Scheme 4, to form a compound with thestructural Formula I or its corresponding enantiomer.

[0035] Another aspect of the invention is directed to methods forforming P-chiral bisphospholane ligand intermediates, such as a compoundof Formula 17, through the use of intermediate compounds shown inSchemes 12 and 13.

[0036] Another aspect of the invention is directed to methods forforming P-chiral bisphospholane ligands, such as a compound of Formula Ithrough the use of intermediate compounds shown in Schemes 9 and 10.

[0037] Another aspect of the invention is directed to methods forforming a compound of the Formula VII through intermediate compounds, asdepicted in Scheme 6. For example, a bis(primary phosphine) is reactedin the presence of a strong base with a cyclic sulfate compound to forma first compound that is then reacted with a chiral base andelectrophile for enantioselective alkylation of the first compound toform a second compound. The second compound is reacted with a boraneremoving mixture to form a compound of the Formula VII or itscorresponding enantiomer.

[0038] Another compound of the present invention has the structuralFormula IX:

[0039] wherein:

[0040] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group;

[0041] a Bridge is a —(CH2)n— where n is an integer from 1 to 12, a1,2-divalent phenyl, or a 1,2-divalent substituted phenyl;

[0042] M is a transition metal, an actinide, or a lanthamide;

[0043] Z is BF₄, PF₆, SbF₆, OTf, or ClO₄; and

[0044] A is norbornadiene or cyclooctadiene.

[0045] The corresponding enantiomer of general Compound IX is anothercompound of the present invention.

[0046] Another aspect of the invention is directed to methods forforming compounds of the Formula IX, such as IXc, as shown, for example,in Scheme 11.

[0047] Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to formingcompounds with high enantiomeric excesses in catalytic asymmetrictransformations using metal/P-chiral bisphospholane complexes of thestructural Formula IX.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The present invention is related to the synthesis of P-chiralbisphospholane ligands for preparing metal/P-chiral bisphospholanecomplexes for asymmetric catalysis. In this application, “P-chiral”means that the phosphorous atom or atoms of a compound are chiralcenters of that compound. In particular, the present invention isdirected to reacting the metal/P-chiral bisphospholane complexes with,for example, acrylates, in asymmetric hydrogenation syntheses to produceenantiomeric excesses of compounds. While the present invention is notso limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the invention will begained through a discussion of the examples provided below.

[0049] For the purpose of this application, the “correspondingenantiomer” means that if a compound includes two P-chiral centers andtwo C-chiral or chiral carbon atom centers, the “correspondingenantiomer” for a compound having an 1R,2S configuration is the 1S,2Rcompound. Similarly, if a compound has an 1S,2R configuration, the“corresponding enantiomer” is the 1R,2S compound. If a P-chiral compoundhas an 1S,2S configuration, the “corresponding enantiomer” is the 1R,2Rcompound. If a P-chiral compound has an 1R,2R configuration, the“corresponding enantiomer” is the 1S,2S compound. Phosphorous chiralcenters are designated as 1 and carbon chiral centers are designated as2 in bisphospholanes.

[0050] For the purpose of this application, a “compound with a highdegree of enantiomeric purity,” a “compound of high enantiomericpurity,” or a “high level of enantioselectivity” means a hydrogenationthat yields a product of greater than or equal to about 80 percentenantiomeric excess (abbreviated e.e.).

[0051] Enantiomeric excess is defined as the ratio (% R−% S)/(% R+%S)*100, where % R is the percentage of R enantiomer and % S is thepercentage of S-enantiomer in a sample of optically active compound.

[0052] P-Chiral Phospholanes

[0053] The present invention provides novel P-chiral bisphospholanesubstituted compounds of the structural Formula I and its correspondingenantiomer:

[0054] wherein:

[0055] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group; and

[0056] a Bridge is a —(CH₂)_(n)— where n is an integer from 1 to 12, a1,2-divalent phenyl, or a 1,2-divalent substituted phenyl.

[0057] The term “alkyl,” as used in this application includes a straightor branched saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain, or cyclic saturatedaliphatic hydrocarbons, such as, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl (1-methylethyl), butyl, tert-butyl (1,1-dimethylethyl),cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutyl, and the like.

[0058] The term “fluoroalkyl,” as used in this application includes analkyl, wherein alkyl is defined above, having one or more hydrogen atomssubstituted by fluorine atoms.

[0059] The term “perfluoroalkyl,” as used in this application, includesan alkyl, wherein alkyl is defined above, having all hydrogen atomssubstituted by fluorine atoms.

[0060] The term “aryl” group, as used in this application, includes anaromatic hydrocarbon group, including fused aromatic rings, such as, forexample, phenyl and naphthyl. Such groups may be unsubstituted orindependently substituted on the aromatic ring by, for example, halogen,alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, nitro, amino, vinyl, substituted vinyl,alkynyl, or sulfonic acid.

[0061] The term “aralkyl” group, as used in this application, includesone or more aryl groups, as defined above, bonded to an alkyl group, forexample, benzyl, with the alkyl bonded to the phospholane ring. Thearomatic hydrocarbon group may be unsubstituted or substituted (ringsubstituted aralkyl) by, for example, an alkoxy group of 0 to 4 carbonatoms, an amino group, a hydroxy group, or an acetyloxy group.

[0062] The term “substituted phenyl,” as used in this application,includes a phenyl group with the unsubstituted aromatic ring carbonsindependently substituted by, for example, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl,aryloxy, nitro, amino, vinyl, substituted vinyl, alkynyl, or sulfonicacid.

[0063] The term “carboxylic ester,” as used in this application,includes a COO group bonded through one oxygen atom to an alkyl, anaryl, or a substituted aryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, and substituted arylare described above, and the carbon atom bonded to the phospholane ring.

[0064] The term “phospholane ring,” as used in this application,includes a 5-membered cyclic structure in which at least one atom isphosphorous.

[0065] The term “transition metal,” as used in this application,includes scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron,cobalt, nickel, copper, yttrium, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum,technetium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, lanthanum, hafnium,tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold.

[0066] The term “actinide,” as used in this application includesthorium, protactinium, uranium, neptunium, plutonium, americium, curium,berkelium, californium, einsteinium, fermium, mendelevium, nobelium, andlawrencium.

[0067] The term “lanthamide,” as used in this application includescerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium,gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium,and lutetium.

[0068] The bisphospholane compounds of Formula I are disubstituted withan R group bonded to one of the carbons of the phospholane ring and abridging group bonded between the phosphorus on the phospholane rings.The compounds lack an R group in the unhindered quadrant of thephospholane ring, as shown in Scheme 2.

[0069] The P-chiral bisphospholane locates chirality closer to the metalcenter than in known metal/phospholane complexes, such as Duphos andBisP. The chiral center's closer proximity to the metal may producegreater enantioselectivity in the end-products. Also, the lack ofsubstituents in the unhindered quadrants of Formula I compounds mayimprove the availability of the metal center for catalysis.

[0070] Typical R groups include, but are not limited to, for example,lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl, along withbulkier groups such as benzhydryl, fluorenyl, and trityl groups. Onetypical R group for compounds of Formula I are aralkyl groups, such as abenzyl group. Examples of other P-chiral bisphospholane ligands include,but are not limited to, 1,2-bis((1S,2S)-2-benzylphospholano)-ethane,1,2-bis((1R,2R)-2-benzylphospholano)-ethane,1,2-bis((1S,2R)-2-methylphospholano)-ethane,1,2-bis((1S,2R)-2-ethylphospholano)-ethane. Examples of enantiomers ofthe P-chiral phospholane ligands of I include, but are not limited to,1,2-bis((1R,2S)-2-methylphospholano)-ethane, and1,2-bis((1R,2S)-2-ethylphospholano)-ethane.

[0071] The P-chiral bisphospholane substituted compound,1,2-bis((1R,2R)-2-benzylphospholano)-ethane, is represented by theFormula Ia:

[0072] The P-chiral bisphospholane substituted compound,1,2-bis((1S,2S)-2-benzylphospholano)-ethane, is represented by theFormula Ib:

[0073] The bisphospholane ligands of the structural Formula I arecapable of reacting with transition metals, actinides, or lanthamides toform complexes for use in asymmetric catalysis. The use of thesecompounds as ligands for transition metals results in catalysts thatyield a high level of enantioselective and stereochemical control in thecatalyzed hydrogenation of unsaturated substrates.

[0074] Several intermediates are formed during the synthesis ofcompounds of the Formula I. This invention includes intermediatecompounds of the formulae V and VIa and their corresponding enantiomers:

[0075] wherein:

[0076] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group; and

[0077] G is an alkyl group containing up to about 12 carbon atoms, NR′₂,OR′, SR′, or SiMe₃, wherein R′ is hydrogen, an alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, an aralkyl group; or a ring substituted aralkyl group.

[0078] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group; and

[0079] a Bridge is a —(CH2)n— where n is an integer from 1 to 12, a1,2-divalent phenyl, or a 1,2-divalent substituted phenyl.

[0080] Chiral ligands of the structural Formula I can alternatively beprepared through intermediates with the structural formulae Vb and VIb:

[0081] wherein:

[0082] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group;

[0083] G is an alkyl group containing up to about 12 carbon atoms, NR′₂,OR′, SR′, or SiMe₃, wherein R′ is hydrogen, an alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, an aralkyl group; or a ring substituted aralkyl group;

[0084] X is S or O; and

[0085] a Bridge is a —(CH2)n— where n is an integer from 1 to 12, a1,2-divalent phenyl, or a 1,2-divalent substituted phenyl.

[0086] Another compound of the present invention has the structuralFormula VII:

[0087] wherein:

[0088] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group; and

[0089] each Y is independently halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy,nitro, amino, vinyl, substituted vinyl, alkynyl, or sulfonic acid and nis an integer from 0 to 4 equal to the number of unsubstituted aromaticring carbons.

[0090] The above bisphospholane compounds of Formulae I and VII andtheir corresponding enantiomers can be complexed with any of thetransition metals as well as the lanthamides and actinides. Suchcomplexes are formed by methods known in the art.

[0091] Another compound of the present invention includes themetal/P-chiral phospholane complex with the structural Formula 1× andits corresponding enantiomer:

[0092] wherein:

[0093] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group;

[0094] a Bridge is a —(CH2)n— where n is an integer from 1 to 12, a1,2-divalent phenyl, or a 1,2-divalent substituted phenyl;

[0095] M is a transition metal, an actinide, or a lanthamide;

[0096] Z is BF₄, PF₆, SbF₆, OTf, or ClO₄; and

[0097] A is norbornadiene or cyclooctadiene.

[0098] Z can also be any other appropriate counterion. The anion OTf- istriflate.

[0099] Typically useful transition metal complexes of the presentinvention are those including the above described compounds complexedwith rhodium.

[0100] Synthesis of Borane-Protected Bisphospholanes

[0101] Chiral ligands of the structural Formula I can be prepared asshown in Schemes 3 and 4.

[0102] The synthesis route to one of the borane-protected bisphospholaneof the Formula VIa is shown in Scheme 3. A chiral menthoxy group is usedin this synthesis. The chirality of the menthoxy group is not requiredin the synthesis, and different alkoxy substituents (chiral and achiral)can be used to accomplish the synthesis of the compounds of the FormulaI. For example, an alcohol of the formula R₁OH wherein R₁ is a branchedalkyl, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, an aralkyl group, a ringsubstituted aralkyl group or other bulky group. For example, adamantyland phenyl are suitable R₁ substituents. Reaction of (−)-menthol withphosphorous trichloride in tetrahydrofuran produces(−)-menthoxyphosphorous dichloride, shown with the structural FormulaIIa in Scheme 3. (+)-Menthol is also suitable for this reaction. Anexample of an alternative compound for reacting with (−)-mentholincludes PBr₃. A phosphine-borane compound of the Formula IIa, can beformed by reacting (−)-menthoxyphosphorous dichloride with a divalentalkyl di-Grignard solution, shown in Scheme 3, and then a boranecomplex. Examples of borane complexes include, but are not limited to, aborane methylsulfide complex or alternatively a borane tetrahydrofurancomplex, which are commercially available from Aldrich Chemical Co.

[0103] The enantioselective alkylation of the phosphine-borane CompoundIIIa is performed using a chiral base formed from s-BuLi and(−)-sparteine (Imamoto T., Watanabe J., Wada Y., Masuda H., Yamada H.,Tsuruta H., Matsukawa S., Yamaguchi K., J. Am. Chem. Soc.,1998;120(7):1635-1636; Muci A. R., Campos K. R., Evans D. A., J. Am.Chem. Soc., 1995;117(35):9075-9076. Other suitable chiral bases can beused to provide improved enantioselectivities for the chiral alkylationreactions or to form the desired enantiomer, such as compounds havingthe general formula R₃Li wherein R₃ is an alkyl, an aryl, an alkylamide,or an alkylamine. Compound IVa was synthesized via this chiralalkylation procedure. Selectivity is determined by two factors: theα-carbon atom from which the proton is pulled and the face of the ringat which the resulting anion is alkylated. A proton is pulledselectively from one carbon atom of the phosphine ring using the chiralbase. The alkylation occurs selectively on the same side of the ringoccupied by the borane group.

[0104] The electrophile added for the chiral alkylation can be anyelectrophile including, but not limited to, an alkyl halide, carbondioxide, an aldehyde, a ketone, a carboxylic ester, a carbonate, a silylchloride, or an alkyl sulfonate to form a compound of the Formula IVa asa third intermediate having the group R, wherein R is an alkyl,fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group each containing up to about 8carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, a carboxylic ester group, an arylgroup, a substituted aryl group, an aralkyl group, or a ring substitutedaralkyl group. Examples of suitable electrophiles include, but are notlimited to, benzyl bromide, iodomethane, iodoethane, carbon dioxide,chlorotrimethylsilane, benzaldehyde, acetone, cyclopentanone,benzophenone, ethyl acetate, dimethyl carbonate, or di-tert-butyldicarbonate. The electrophile can be varied to synthesize a variety ofligands that possess different substituents on the phospholane ring tomatch the steric requirements for producing a specific enantiomer of thetarget molecules.

[0105] The relative stereochemistry of compounds of the structuralFormula IVa was assigned by analogy to the crystal structure of the IVacompound wherein R is CO₂H. Apparently, the bulkiness of the menthoxygroup blocks the approach of the electrophile from the bottom face ofthe ring. Therefore, during an alkylation of the bisphospholane, IIIa,without the use of a chiral base, predominantly only 2 diastereomers areformed.

[0106] Although the diastereomeric excess of the alkylated products IVacould not be evaluated before displacing the menthoxy group with methyllithium, the enantiomeric excess of compounds Va could be determined.The values of the enantiomeric excesses ranged from low to mid 70percent. The relative stereochemistry of Compound Va, wherein R is abenzyl group, was determined via Nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE)studies. The relative stereochemistry of other compounds of the FormulaVa, wherein R is either a methyl or an ethyl, was assigned by analogy.

[0107] In the synthesis of Compound Va, methyl lithium displaces thementhoxy group with retention of configuration at phosphorous ratherthan inversion. Other methyl anions can be used to displace the menthoxygroup, such as methyl magnesium bromide or methyl cuprate. Had thestereochemistry at phosphorous been inverted, the R groups of Compound Iligands would then reside on the opposite side of the phospholane ringwith respect to the lone pairs of electrons on the phosphorous producingthe opposite diastereomer. High enantioselectivity would not be expectedwhen using the metal complexes of these ligands in asymmetrichydrogenation were this the case.

[0108] The oxidative coupling of Va results in an amplification of theenantiomeric excess of the chiral borane protected product VIa. Oneoxidative coupling agent reaction includes reacting Va with, forexample, s-BuLi and CuCl₂. Alternative oxidative coupling reagentsinclude strong bases, such as s-BuLi in conjunction with variouscopper(II) salts including, but not limited to CuBr₂, CuI₂, or Cu(OTf)₂,Cu(OPiv)₂. Piv means pivolate. The minor enantiomer of Va reactspredominantly with the major enantiomer to form a meso complex, whichcan be removed from the reaction mixture by recrystallization. Beforework-up of the reaction, Compound VIa exists in less than 100%enantiomeric excess. After recrystallization, VIa is made opticallypure. Alternatively, the borane protected ligand of the structuralFormula VIa can be synthesized via the route shown in Scheme 5.

[0109] The compound of Formula Xa can be synthesized via the route shownin Scheme 6.

[0110] As depicted in Scheme 6, a bis(primary phosphine) is reacted witha strong base capable of deprotonating a P—H. For example,1,2-bis(phosphino)benzene can be reacted with the strong base. Suitablebases include, but are not limited to, sodium amide, potassiumhydroxide, sodium hydroxide or compounds with a structural formula R₃Li,wherein R₃ is an alkyl, an aryl, an alkylamide, or an alkylamine. Forexample, methyl lithium, n-butyl lithium, phenyl lithium, or lithiumdiisopropylamide can be used to deprotonate the P—H bond. The strongbase removes one proton from the phosphorous atom of each primaryphosphine group, forming an anion. The anion is reacted with a cyclicsulfate, shown in Scheme 6, to form a carbon-phosphorous bond on each ofthe phosphorous atoms. Additional base is then added to remove theremaining proton on each of the phosphorous atoms and a heterocyclicphospholane, a first compound, is formed through asecond-carbon-phosphorous bond via sulfate group displacement.

[0111] The synthesis of Compound Xa was performed via chiral alkylation.The enantioselective alkylation is performed using a chiral base formedfrom s-BuLi and (−)-sparteine. Imamoto T., Watanabe J., Wada Y., MasudaH., Yamada H., Tsuruta H., Matsukawa S., Yamaguchi K., J. Am. Chem.Soc., 1998;120(7):1635-1636; Muci A. R., Campos K. R., Evans D. A., J.Am. Chem. Soc., 1995;117(35):9075-6. Alternatively, other suitablechiral bases can be used to provide improved enantioselectivities forthe chiral alkylation reactions or to form the desired enantiomer. Theelectrophile added for the chiral alkylation can be any electrophileincluding, but not limited to, an alkyl halide, carbon dioxide, analdehyde, a ketone, a carboxylic ester, a carbonate, a silyl chloride,or an alkyl sulfonate to form a compound with the structural Formula Xaas a second compound having the group R, wherein R is an alkyl,fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl group each containing up to about 8 carbonatoms, a carboxylic acid group, a carboxylic ester group, an aryl group,a substituted aryl group, an aralkyl group, or a ring substitutedaralkyl group. Examples of suitable electrophiles include, but are notlimited to, benzyl bromide, iodomethane, iodoethane, carbon dioxide,chlorotrimethylsilane, benzaldehyde, acetone, trisylazide,cyclopentanone, benzophenone, ethyl acetate, dimethyl carbonate, ordi-tert-butyl dicarbonate. The electrophile can be varied to synthesizea variety of ligands that possess different substituents on thephospholane ring to match the steric requirements for producing aspecific enantiomer of the target molecule.

[0112] The chiral alkylation step produces an enantiomerically enrichedborane protected ligand. If a chiral base is not used in the chiralalkylation step, the borane protected ligand product will have a 1:2:1ratio of R:meso:S and will not be enantiomerically enriched.

[0113] Referring to compounds VIa and Xa, two different borane removingmixtures can be used for borane removal from phosphorous which do notlead to racemization at the P-chiral center, as shown in Scheme 4.Typically, the borane group can be removed by treating the phosphineborane ligand with HBF₄.Me₂O followed by hydrolysis with K₂CO₃.Alternatively, stirring the borane protected ligand, VIa, in toluenewith 4 equivalents of DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo(2.2.2)octane) over 48hours at 40° C. produces the deprotected ligand of the structuralFormula I. Borane removal from Compound IXa results in a compound of theFormula VIIa:

[0114] Referring to Scheme 7, upon completion of borane removal, theligand of the structural Formula I was bound immediately to rhodium byreacting the ligand with (Rh(norbornadiene)BF₄)₂ to yield a catalyst ofFormula IXa.

[0115] Any suitable transition metal, actinide, or lanthamide andcorresponding anion can be used to form the metal/P-chiral phospholanecomplex shown as Compound IX. For example, the corresponding anion canalternatively be PF₆—, SbF₆—, OTf-, or ClO₄— or any other appropriatecounterion.

[0116] As shown in Scheme 8, chiral intermediates Vb and VIb can beformed.

[0117] Compound Vb can be oxidatively coupled to produce a compound withthe general Formula VIb, wherein the Bridge is —(CH₂)_(n)— where n is 2.For example, Vb can be reacted with s-BuLi and CuCl₂ to form VIb. Othersuitable oxidative coupling agents include, but are not limited toinclude strong bases, such as s-BuLi in conjunction with variouscopper(II) salts including, but not limited to CuBr₂, CuI₂, Cu(OTf)₂, orCu(OPiv)₂.

[0118] Asymmetric Transformations with Metal\P-Chiral PhospholanesComplexes

[0119] Metal/P-chiral phospholane complexes of Formula IX can be used tocatalyze hydrogenation and other asymmetric reactions. For example,compounds of Formula IX can be used as catalysts in transformationsincluding, but not limited to, hydrogenation, hydroformylation, π-allylpalladium coupling, hydrosilation, hydrocyanation, olefin metathesis,hydroacylation, and isomerization of allylamines.

[0120] For example, a complex represented by the Formula IXc was used tocatalyze the substrate, methylacetamidoacetate in the presence ofhydrogen, as shown in Scheme 14.

[0121] Compound IXb is the corresponding enantiomer to Compound IXc.

[0122] Compounds of the structural Formulas IX, IXb, and IXc typicallybond to a substrate to be catalyzed through the center, M, of a compoundwith the structural Formula IXd, its corresponding enantiomer, orsolvates thereof

[0123] wherein:

[0124] R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl, or perfluoroalkyl group eachcontaining up to about 8 carbon atoms, a carboxylic acid group, acarboxylic ester group, an aryl group, a substituted aryl group, anaralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkyl group;

[0125] a Bridge is a —(CH2)n— where n is an integer from 1 to 12, a1,2-divalent phenyl, or a 1,2-divalent substituted phenyl; and

[0126] M is a transition metal, an actinide, or a lanthamide.

[0127] A solvate of the Formula IXc includes compounds having one ormore solvent molecules bonded to the M center. The solvent moleculesinclude, but are not limited to, MeOH, THF, ethanol, isopropanol,acetonitrile, methylene chloride, benzene, toluene, water, ethylacetate, dioxane, carbon tetrachloride, DMSO, DMF, DMF/water mixtures,supercritical carbon dioxide, alcohol/water mixtures, or any othersuitable solvent.

[0128] Other intermediates can be used to produce a catalyst of theFormula IX that generate either the (S) or (R) enantiomer of thepregabalin precursor. Referring to Scheme 9, either enantiomer of thedimesylate (5) can be synthesized by the choice of (R) or (S)(2,3-epoxypropyl)benzene.

[0129] The synthesis shown in Scheme 9 can also be accomplished startingfrom racemic (2,3-epoxypropyl)benzene (1). The enantiomers of theresulting racemic diol (4) can then be separated on a preparatory scaleusing chiral HPLC.

[0130] Referring to Scheme 10, methylphosphine borane is reacted with acompound of the Formula (5) or (7) to form compounds of the Formula (8)and (9). The cyclic sulfate (7) can be used in place of the dimesylate(5). The resulting phospholane monomer (8) is a compound of intermediateV. Phospholane monomer (8) can be reacted to form a ligand with theFormula Ib through the same or similar synthetic route as described forCompound Va found in Schemes 3 and 4 and described in Examples 14 and15. Compound (8) or it corresponding enantiomer can be synthesized basedupon the choice of the optically pure dimesylate (5) or cyclic sulfate(7). Compound (9) or its corresponding enantiomer is a diastereomerby-product of the phospholane ring forming reactions in Scheme 10.

[0131] Referring to Scheme 11, Compound Ib dissolved in THF is reactedwith [Rh(norbornadiene)₂]^(+ BF) ₄— in a solution of MeOH at atemperature of −15° C. The resulting solution was then allowed to warmto room temperature yielding Compound IXc.

[0132] Referring to Scheme 12, a synthetic route depicting a generalroute to a variety of optically pure dimesylates of the Formula (14)where R is any alkyl group is shown. Either enantiomer of thesedimesylates can be synthesized based upon the choice of the appropriateenantiomer of the epoxide starting material. Any terminal epoxide can beresolved using Jacobsen epoxide ring opening kinetic resolutioncatalysts. These optically pure terminal epoxide catalysts are availablefrom Rhodia ChiRex located in Boston, Mass.

[0133] Referring to Scheme 13, the synthetic route shown applies to thesynthesis of a variety of phospholane monomers (and thus a variety ofcatalysts) where R is any alkyl group. The cyclic sulfate of Formula(16) can be used in place of the dimesylate of Formula (14). Phospholanemonomer (17) corresponds to compounds of the Formula V. Compound (17) orit corresponding enantiomer can be synthesized based upon the choice ofthe optically pure dimesylate (14) or cyclic sulfate (16). Compound (18)or its corresponding enantiomer is a diastereomer by-product of thephospholane ring forming reactions in Scheme 13. One synthetic route tocatalyst 1× from phospholane monomers (17) is shown partially in Scheme3 and in Schemes 4 and 7. Either enantiomer of the catalyst IX can besynthesized based upon the choice of the enantiomer of the dimesylate(14) or cyclic sulfate (16).

[0134] For the reaction shown in Scheme 14, conditions were modified tooptimize the hydrogenation of methylacetamidoacetate. One mole percentof ligand IXc in MeOH at 30 psi of hydrogen and at room temperatureresulted in enantiomeric excesses on the order of about 95 percent inless than 45 minutes.

[0135] The same conditions were used for the hydrogenation of othersubstrates, shown in Schemes 15 and 16. The substrates of Schemes 15 and16 were converted quantitatively to their hydrogenation products usingthese described conditions. Enantiomeric excess for the products were 86percent in Scheme 15 and 76 percent in Scheme 16 with 100 percentconversion in both reactions.

[0136] Asymmetric reduction experiments of the potassium salt of3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoic acid have been run using catalyst IXc toproduce a pregabalin precursor, as shown in Scheme 17. Thet-butylammonium salt of 3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoic acid can also bereacted with catalyst IXc to produce the pregabalin precursor. Othersubstrates that can be reacted with catalyst IXc to undergo asymmetricreduction to produce additional pregabalin precursors are3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoic acid methyl ester and3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoic acid ethyl ester. The pregabalin precursorcan then be converted into pregabalin. Pregabalin is the generic namefor (S)-(+)-(Aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid. Pregabalin is used inthe treatment and prevention of seizure disorders, pain, and psychoticdisorders.

[0137] The hydrogenation experiments show high enantiomeric excesses andconversion rates of the substrates. Hydrogenation of E/Z mixtures of thepotassium salt of 3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoic acid gave greater than 93percent enantiomeric excess of product. Other salts of3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoic acid can undergo asymmetric hydrogenation,such as the t-butylamine salt or any other salt of the acid.

[0138] Enantiomeric excess determination of the products from thereductions of substrates was accomplished by acidifying the hydrogenatedreaction mixture and then treating the carboxylic acid product withtms-diazomethane to form the methyl ester. The enantiomeric ratios ofthe methyl ester were analyzed via chiral gas chromatography (GC). Theassignment of the stereochemistry of the enantiomers was done bycomparison of elution order of the methyl esters.

[0139] Referring to Scheme 18, a general reaction scheme is shown forthe conversion of a pregabalin precursor, such as the pregabalinprecursor shown in Scheme 17, to pregabalin.

[0140] Enantiomerically enriched pregabalin precursor, wherein X⁺ is K⁺,Li⁺, Na⁺, or t-butylammonium, can be recrystallized to form opticallypure material that is converted to pregabalin. The optically purepregabalin precursor can be converted directly to pregabalin by firsthydrogenating the nitrile group with sponge nickel in the presence ofhydrogen and then acidifying the resulting mixture with acetic acid.

P-Chiral Ligand and Catalysts General Procedures and Materials

[0141] Materials

[0142] THF was either distilled from sodium prior to use or obtainedfrom Aldrich Sure-Seal bottles supplied by Aldrich Chemical Company as99.9% anhydrous. Dichloromethane (anhydrous, 99.8%) and ether(anhydrous, 99.8%) were used as needed from Aldrich Sure-Seal bottlessupplied by Aldrich Chemical Company. (1R,2S,5R)-(−)-Menthol, boranemethylsulfide complex (approximately 10^(−10.2) M), phosphoroustrichloride (98%), 1.3M s-BuLi in cyclohexane, (−)-sparteine, benzylbromide (98%), 1.0M MeLi in THF/cumene, tetrafluoroboric acid-dimethylether complex (HBF₄.Me₂O), trimethylsilyldiazomethane, methyl2-acetamidoacrylate, 2-acetamidoacrylic acid, and α-acetamidocinnamicacid were obtained from Aldrich Chemical Company. AgBF₄ (99%) andChloronorbornadiene rhodium (I) dimer (99%) were supplied by StremChemicals, Incorporated. Hydrogen gas (99.995%) was used from a lecturebottle supplied by Specialty Gas.

[0143] Hydrogenations were performed in a Griffin-Worden pressure vesselsupplied by Kimble/Kontes. (S)-(2,3-epoxypropyl)benzene (99.9% chemicalpurity, 98.2% enantiomeric excess) was purchased from Rhodia-Chirex on acustom synthesis contract. Sodium metal (stick, dry, 99%),diethylmalonate (99%), lithium aluminum hydride (powder, 95%),methanesulfonylchloride (99.5+%), triethylamine (99.5%), n-BuLi (2.5M inhexanes), and s-BuLi (1.3 M in cyclohexane) were purchased from AldrichChemical Company. AgBF₄ (99%) and Chloronorbornadiene rhodium(I) dimer(99%) were supplied by Strem Chemicals, Incorporated. Methylphosphineborane was purchased from Digital Chemical Company on a custom synthesiscontract.

[0144] Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

[0145] 400 MHz ¹H NMR, 100 MHz ¹³C NMR, and 162 MHz ³¹P NMR spectra wereobtained on “Barton”—a Varian Unity+400 (Inova400 after Aug. 15, 2000)spectrometer equipped with an Auto Switchable 4-Nuclei PFG probe, two RFchannels, and a SMS-100 sample changer by Zymark. Spectra were generallyacquired near room temperature (21° C.), and standard autolock, autoshimand autogain routines were employed. Samples are usually spun at 20 Hzfor 1D experiments. ¹H NMR spectra were acquired using 45-degree tipangle pulses, 1.0 second recycle delay, and 16 scans at a resolution of0.25 Hz/point. The acquisition window was typically 8000 Hz from +18 to−2 ppm (Reference TMS at 0 ppm), and processing was with 0.2 Hz linebroadening. Typical acquisition time is 80 seconds. Regular ¹³C NMRspectra were acquired using 45° tip angle pulses, 2.0 second recycledelay, and 2048 scans at a resolution of 1 Hz/point. Spectral width wastypically 25 KHz from +235 to −15 ppm (Reference TMS at 0 ppm). Protondecoupling was applied continuously, and 2 Hz line broadening wasapplied during processing. Typical acquisition time is 102 minutes. ³¹PNMR spectra were acquired using 45-degree tip angle pulses, 1.0 secondrecycle delay, and 64 scans at a resolution of 2 Hz/point. Spectralwidth was typically 48 KHz from +200 to −100 ppm (Reference 85%Phosphoric Acid at 0 ppm). Proton decoupling was applied continuously,and 2 Hz line broadening was applied during processing. Typicalacquisition time is 1.5 minutes.

[0146] Mass Spectrometry

[0147] Mass Spectrometry was performed on a Micromass Platform LC systemoperating under MassLynx and OpenLynx open access software. The LC wasequipped with a HP1100 quaternary LC system and a Gilson 215 liquidhandler as an autosampler. Data was acquired under atmospheric pressurechemical ionization with 80:20 acetonitrile/water as the solvent.Temperatures: probe was 450° C., source was 150° C. Corona discharge was3500V for positive ion and 3200V for negative ion.

[0148] High Performance Liquid Chromatography

[0149] High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was performed on aseries 1100 Hewlett Packard (now Agilent Technologies) instrumentequipped with a manual injector, quaternary pump, and a UV detector. TheLC was PC controlled using HP Chemstation Plus Software. Reverse phaseHPLC was performed with a 150×4.6 mm BDS-Hypersil-C18 column supplied byKeystone Scientific Incorporated. Reverse phase chiral HPLC wasperformed using a Chiracel OJ-R column supplied by Chiral Technologies.Normal Phase chiral HPLC was performed using Chiracel OJ, Chiracel OD,Chiracel OD-H, Chiracel AD, and Chiracel AS columns supplied by ChiralTechnologies.

[0150] Gas Chromatography. Gas Chromatography (GC) was performed on a110 volt Varian Star 3400 equipped with an FID detector withelectrometer, a model 1061 packed/530 micron ID flash injector, a model1077 split/splitless capillary injector, a relay board that monitorsfour external events, and an inboard printer/plotter. Gas chromatographywas performed using 40 m×0.25 mm Chiraldex G-TA or B-TA columns suppliedby Advanced Separation Technologies, Incorporated or a 25 m×0.25 mmCoating CP Chirasil-Dex DB column supplied by Chrompack.

[0151] X-Ray Crystallography

[0152] X-Ray crystallography was performed on an Enraf Nonius CAD-4instrument. Cell refinement was done with CAD-4. Data reduction,structure solving, structure refinement, molecular graphics, andpreparation of data for publication were done with maXus software.

EXAMPLES Example 1 (As Depicted in Scheme 3)

[0153] Synthesis of (−)-menthoxyphosphorous dichloride

[0154] Into a 250 mL round bottom flask was placed (1R, 2S,5R)-(−)-menthol (12.54 g, 0.0802 mole) under N₂. Freshly distilled THF(100 mL) was added via syringe, and the solution was then cooled to 0°C. Into this stirring solution was added PCl₃ (7.0 mL, 0.0802 mole)dropwise with stirring over 4 minutes. The reaction was stirred for 1hour and then the THF was removed on a rotary evaporator working quicklyin air to avoid hydrolyzing the product. The colorless crude product wasdistilled (81° C./0.5 mm Hg) to yield 15.8 g (77%) of(−)-menthoxyphosphorous dichloride. The (−)-menthoxyphosphorousdichloride was kept under N₂ at room temperature until needed. ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.78 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 3H), 0.84 (m, 1H), 0.89 (d, J=7.6Hz, 3H), 0.91 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 3H), 0.98-1.08 (m, 1H), 1.16-1.25 (m, 1H),1.32-1.38 (m, 1H), 1.41-1.51 (m, 1H), 1.64-1.70 (m, 2H), 1.96-2.03 (m,1H), 2.32-2.35 (m, 1H), 4.42-4.52 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ83.7 (d, J_(C—P)=9.9 Hz), 48.7, 43.3, 33.9, 31.6, 25.1, 22.9, 22.0,21.2, 16.0; ³¹P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 176.7.

Example 2 (As Depicted in Scheme 3)

[0155] Synthesis of Phosphine-Borane Compound

[0156] Into a 3-neck 250 mL round bottom flask equipped with a refluxcondenser under N₂ was placed 150 mL freshly distilled THF and magnesium(2.36 g, 0.0973 mole). An iodine crystal was added and then1,4-dibromobutane (4.65 mL, 0.0389 mole) was added dropwise over 30minutes with a syringe pump while the reaction was stirred with amagnetic stirbar. The reaction became hot during the addition andrefluxed near the end of the addition (an ice bath was kept on hand tocool the reaction to prevent it from becoming uncontrollable). Afteraddition, the reaction was refluxed for 1 hour. The divalent alkyldi-Grignard solution (dark gray after reflux) was then cooled to roomtemperature. Into a separate 500 mL flask was placed the(−)-menthoxyphosphorous dichloride of Example 1 (10.0 g, 0.0389 moles)and 250 mL of freshly distilled THF under N₂. The(−)-menthoxyphosphorous dichloride solution was cooled to 0° C. and thenthe di-Grignard solution was delivered to the flask quickly via cannula.The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and then stirred 3hours whereupon BH₃.Me₂S (3.9 mL of a 10.0 M solution, 0.0389 moles) wasdelivered to the reaction via syringe and the reaction was stirredovernight (although protection was probably complete in 1 hour). Thereaction was quenched cautiously with 250 mL of H₂O, the organic layerwas separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with 3×100 mL Et₂O.The combined organics were dried over MgSO₄ and then the solvent wasremoved on a rotary evaporator. Column chromatography over silica gel(1% EtOAc/hexane) yielded 5.13 g/52% of a phosphine borane compound (in2.5% EtOAc/hexane R_(f) desired product=0.38, R_(f) unidentified smallside products=0.48 and 0.71, all products were visualized on TLC plateswith phosphomolybdic acid staining). The phosphine borane compound waskept at 0° C. under N₂ in the freezer until use. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃)δ 0.1-1.0 (br m, 3H), 0.78 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), 0.87 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 3H),0.88 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 3H), 0.91-1.04 (m, 2H), 1.17-1.24 (m, 2H), 1.36-1.48(m, 1H), 1.57-1.64 (m, 2H), 1.89-1.96 (m, 9H), 2.05-2.08 (m, 1H),3.90-3.99 (m, 1H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 16.0, 20.9, 22.1, 23.0,25.4, 25.80, 25.84, 29.1 (d, J_(C—P)=42.0 Hz), 30.5 (d, J_(C—P)=37.4Hz), 31.3, 34.2, 43.4, 48.6, 79.0 (d, J_(C—P)=3.8 Hz); ³¹P NMR (162 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 142.

Example 3 (As Depicted in Scheme 3)

[0157] Synthesis of (1S,2R)-2-benzyl-1-(−)-menthoxy-phospholane borane

[0158] The phosphine-borane compound of Example 2 (8.83 g, 0.0345 mole)was placed in a 500 mL round bottom flask and dissolved in 150 mL Et₂Oat −78° C. under N₂. In a separate flask, (−)-sparteine (9.9 mL, 0.043mole) was placed in a 250 mL flask and dissolved in 100 mL of Et₂O underN₂. The (−)-sparteine solution was cooled to −78° C. and then s-BuLi(33.2 mL of 1.3 M in cyclohexane solution reagent, 0.043 mole) was addedvia syringe. The s-BuLi/sparteine solution was then delivered to theflask containing the phosphine-borane compound via cannula at −78° C.over 30 minutes. After addition, the reaction was stirred for 2 hours.In a separate 100 mL flask was dissolved benzyl bromide (5.3 mL, 0.0449mole), an electrophile, in 50 mL Et₂O under N₂. The benzyl bromidesolution was then delivered quickly to the anion solution via cannula.The cold bath was removed and the reaction was allowed to warm slowly toroom temperature. The reaction was then quenched with 500 mL 1N HCl. Theorganic layer was separated, and then the aqueous layer was extractedwith 2×75 mL Et₂O. The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO₄,and then the solvent was removed on a rotary evaporator. The crudeproduct was chromatographed over silica gel (1.5% EtOAc/hexane) to yield9.14 g/77% of (1S,2R)-2-benzyl-1-(−)-menthoxy-phospholane borane.Determination of the d.e. of the product was not possible at this stage.¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.2-1.1 (m, 14H), 1.2-1.4 (m, 3H), 1.3-1.5 (m,1H), 1.7-2.0 (m, 8H), 2.18-2.30 (m, 1H), 2.20-2.25 (m, 1H), 2.55-2.61(m, 1H), 3.15-3.21 (m, 1H), 3.96-4.02 (m, 1H), 7.15 (m, 3H), 7.24-7.29(m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 16.2, 20.9, 22.1, 23.1, 23.7, 26.0,30.3, 31.2, 31.3, 34.2, 34.9, 43.4, 44.3, 48.7, 79.0 (d, J_(C—P)=4.6Hz), 126.2, 128.5, 128.7, 140.7 (d, 14.5 Hz); ³¹P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃)dd 143.5 (m).

Example 4 (As Depicted in Scheme 3)

[0159] Synthesis of (1S,2R)-2-carboxylic acid-1-(−)-menthoxy-phospholaneborane

[0160] The phosphine-borane compound of Example 3 (3.60 g, 14.1 mmole)was placed in a 500-mL round bottom flask and dissolved in 100 mL Et₂Oat −78° C. under N₂. In a separate flask, (−)-sparteine (4.0 mL, 0.0176mole) was placed in a 250-mL flask and dissolved in 100 mL of Et₂O underN₂. The (−)-sparteine solution was cooled to −78° C. and then s-BuLi(13.5 mL of 1.3 M in cyclohexane solution reagent, 17.6 mmole) was addedvia syringe. The s-BuLi/sparteine solution was then delivered to theflask containing the phosphine borane via cannula at −78° C. over 30minutes. After addition, the reaction was stirred for 2 hours. Carbondioxide was then bubbled through the solution from a tank for 30seconds. The cold bath was removed and the reaction was warmed to roomtemperature. The reaction was quenched with 100 mL of 1N HCl. Theorganic layer was separated and then the aqueous layer was extracted twotimes with 75 mL ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were thendried over MgSO₄ and the volatiles were removed invacuo. The white solidproduct was passed through a silica gel column with a 15% ethylacetate/hexane solution. The solution was allowed to stand overnight andx-ray quality crystals (colorless plates) grew along the side of theflask during that period.

Example 5 (As Depicted in Scheme 3)

[0161] Synthesis of (1S,2R)-2-benzyl-1-methyl-phospholane

[0162] The substituted phosphine borane compound of Example 4 (9.14 g,44.37 mmole) was placed in a 250-mL round bottom flask and dissolved in120 mL of THF under N₂. The solution was warmed to 50° C. To thesolution was added MeLi (92.4 mL, 1.0 M in THF/cumene solution, 92.4mmole) via syringe. The solution became yellow after addition and afteran hour the solution was light red. The reaction was followed by TLC(2.5% EtOAc/hexane) and was deemed complete at that time. The reactionwas quenched carefully with 300 mL 1N HCl and then the organic layer wasseparated. The aqueous layer was extracted with 2×100 mL Et₂O. Thecombined organic layers were dried over MgSO₄ and then the solvent wasremoved on a rotary evaporator. Column chromatography of the crudeproduct over silica gel (2.5% EtOAc/hexane) yielded 2.83 g/52% of thetitle compound. Analysis of the product by chiral HPLC (Chiracel OJ-R,60% CH₃CN/40% (5% CH₃CN in H₂O), 1 mL/min, enantiomers at 4.31 min(major) and 5.02 min (minor); enantiomeric excess could also be analyzedwith the following conditions: Chiracel OD-H, 80% hexane/20%isopropanol, 1 mL/min, enantiomers at 5.29 min (minor) and 5.59 min(major)) showed 75% e.e. The assignment of the relative stereochemistrywas accomplished by 1-D NMR experiments. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ0.05-0.97 (br m, 3H), 1.25 (d, J=10.7 Hz), 1.42-1.70 (m, 2H), 1.70-2.20(m, 5H), 2.64-2.73 (m, 1H), 3.06-3.13 (m, 1H), 7.17-7.29 (m, 5H); ¹³CNMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 11.8 (d, Jc-p=31.3 Hz), 24.4, 25.8 (d, Jc-p=37.4Hz), 25.8, 33.2, 35.4, 41.0 (d, J=33.6 Hz), 41.0, 126.3, 128.5, 128.8,140.5 (d, Jc-p=11.5 Hz); ³¹P (162 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 29.4 (m).

Example 6 (As Depicted in Scheme 3)

[0163] Synthesis of 1,2-bis((1R,2R)-2-benzylphospholano borane)-ethane

[0164] The (1S,2R)-2-benzyl-1-methyl-phospholane product of Example 5(2.83 g, 13.74 mmole) was dissolved in 80 mL THF under N₂ and cooled to−78° C. To this solution was added s-BuLi (11.6 mL, 1.3 M cyclohexanesolution reagent) via syringe and the solution turned red. Afterstirring for 2 hours at −78° C., CuCl₂ powder was added to the reactionin one portion with vigorous stirring. The reaction was allowed to warmto room temperature with the cold bath and then was stirred overnight.The mixture was quenched with 100 mL conc. NH₄OH and the organic layerwas separated. The aqueous layer was then extracted with 3×50 mL EtOAc.The combined organic layers were washed with 5% NH₄OH, 1N HCl, andbrine. The organic layer was then dried over MgSO₄ and the solventremoved on a rotary evaporator. The crude product was recrystallized 3times from hot isopropanol to yield 1.15 g/41% of1,2-bis((1S,2S)-2-benzylphospholano borane)-ethane. HPLC analysis(Chiralcel OD-H, 80% hexane/20% isopropanol, 0.5 mL/min, enantiomers at12.81 min and 16.84 min, meso at 14.51 min) showed >99% e.e. of productand >98% purity. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.0-1.0 (m, 6H), 1.15-1.30(m, 2H), 1.40-1.60 (m, 6H), 1.70-1.80 (m, 4H), 1.90-2.10 (m, 6H),2.68-2.78 (m, 2H), 2.92-2.99 (m, 2H), 7.16-7.24 (m, 6H), 7.27-7.31 (m,4H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) dd 19.9 (d, JC-P=26.7 Hz), 24.5, 24.6 (d,JC-P=36.6 Hz), 24.8, 33.9, 35.5, 40.4 (d, J=32.0 Hz), 126.5, 128.5,129.1, 140.3; ³¹P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃) 40 (m); (d)²⁵ _(D) −13.7° (c0.95, CHCl₃).

Example 7 (As Depicted in Scheme 4 and Shown as Compound 1a)

[0165] Synthesis of Free Phosphine Ligand

[0166] 1,2-bis((1S,2S)-2-benzylphospholano)-ethane

[0167] The 1,2-bis((1S,2S)-2-benzylphospholano borane)-ethane product ofExample 6 (100 mg, 0.2439 mmole) was dissolved in 5 mL degassed CH₂Cl₂in a schlenk tube under N₂. The solution was cooled to 0° C., and thenHBF₄.Me₂O (0.45 mL, 3.66 mmole) was added dropwise via syringe. Thereaction was then warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. Thereaction was quenched with a degassed mixture of 6 mL Et₂O and 6 mLsaturated K₂CO₃. The aqueous layer was removed via pipette while N₂ wasblown across the solution. The organic layer was washed with 5 mLdegassed brine. The aqueous layer was removed via pipette and theorganic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and then filtered through basicalumina. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to yield the free phosphineligand as the sole product. The free phosphine ligand was immediatelybound to rhodium as described in the next step to prevent oxidation. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.78-0.99 (m, 4H), 1.18-1.32 (m, 6H), 1.53-1.60(m, 4H), 1.79-1.82 (m, 6H), 2.62-2.69 (m, 4H), 7.11-7.13 (m, 6H),7.18-7.22 (m, 4H); ³¹P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃)-7.9.

Example 8 (As Depicted in Scheme 7 and Shown as Compound IXa)

[0168] Synthesis of Rhodium/1,2-bis((1S,2R)-2-benzylphospholano)-ethaneComplex

[0169] In a 25-mL vial was placed AgBF₄ (38 mg, 0.1951 mmole) andchloronorbornadiene rhodium(I) dimer (45 mg, 0.09756 mmole of complex)and 4 mL of distilled THF under N₂. The reaction was stirred for 10minutes. White AgCl fell out of solution. The solution was filtered viasyringe filter into another 25-mL vial under N₂. The solution was thencooled to −15° C. and the free phosphine ligand of Example 7 was addeddropwise via syringe in 4 mL THF. The reaction was then warmed to roomtemperature and over 1.5 hours the metal complex fell out of solution.The orange chunky catalyst was collected on a frit under vacuum and waswashed with Et2O. The catalyst weighed 75 mg/58%. The catalyst was keptunder vacuum or in the freezer under N₂ until use. ³¹P NMR (162 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 66.5 (d, J_(Rh—P)=144.6 Hz).

[0170] X-ray quality crystals were obtained by dissolving 25 mg of theisolated catalyst in a minimal amount of methanol and then blowing asoft stream of N₂ across the methanol solution until enough methanolevaporated so that red crystalline cubes formed. X-ray crystallographyconfirmed the structure and stereochemistry of the catalyst.

Example 9 (As Depicted in Scheme 9 and Shown as Compound 3)

[0171] Synthesis of (R)-γ-benzyl-lactone

[0172] Sodium metal (6.43 g, 0.28 mole) was dissolved in 200 mL EtOH. Tothe solution was added 100 mL anhydrous THF. Diethylmalonate (51 mL,0.33 mole) was poured into the reaction and the reaction was stirred for5 minutes and then cooled to 0° C. in an ice bath.(S)-(2,3-Epoxypropyl)benzene (15 g, 0.11 mole) was then added quicklyvia syringe and the ice bath was removed. The reaction was then stirredovernight at room temperature. During the course of the reaction thereaction mixture turned from a clear solution to a white gel. This gelcould be stirred magnetically. The reaction was followed by ¹H-NMR, andafter stirring overnight, only the 2 diastereomers ofα-ethylcarboxylate-γ-benzyl-lactone and non-reacted diethylmalonate werepresent. To the reaction was added 60 mL SN HCl to make the reactionpH=5. The reaction could be backtitrated with 1N NaOH if it became tooacidic. The volatiles were then removed under reduced pressure on arotary evaporator leaving a yellow oil suspended in water. To thesuspension was added 65 mL DMSO and then the flask was heated to 150° C.in an oil bath. As water boiled out of the reaction mixture, thereaction temperature increased. After 16 hours the decarboxylation wascomplete. The reaction was cooled to 0° C. and then 300 mL deionizedwater was added. The resulting solution was extracted 3 times with 150mL diethyl ether. The combined diethyl ether layers were then washedwith 400 mL deionized water, separated, and then dried over MgSO₄. Theproduct lactone, (R)-γ-benzyl-lactone, weighed 20 g (>100% yield) butcontained a small amount of diethylmalonate impurity. The product hadsufficient purity to be used in the next reaction. Chiral HPLC analysis(Chiralcel OD-H, 80% hexane/20% isopropanol, 1.0 mL/min, 214 nm UVdetection, (S) enantiomer eluting at 8.02 minutes and (R) enantiomereluting at 8.89 minutes) showed 97.1% e.e. (R)-γ-benzyl-lactone. ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.90-2.00 (m, 1H), 2.21-2.29 (m, 1H), 2.33-2.51 (m,2H), 3.07 (dd, J=14.16 Hz, J=6.10 Hz, 1H), 3.48 (dd, J=14.16 Hz, J=7.08Hz, 1H), 4.12-4.77 (m, 1H), 7.19-7.34 (m, 5H).

Example 10 (As Depicted in Scheme 9 and Shown as Compound 4)

[0173] Synthesis of (R)-1-phenyl-2,5-pentanediol

[0174] Lithium aluminum hydride (4.6 g, 0.12 mole) was placed in a 1liter round bottom flask equipped with a 500 mL pressure equalizingdropping funnel and then 300 mL anhydrous THF was added. The flask waspurged with nitrogen. (R)-γ-benzyl-lactone of Example 9 (17.7 g, 0.1mole) was dissolved in 300 mL anhydrous THF and placed in the droppingfunnel. The reaction flask was cooled to 0° C. in an ice bath and thenthe lactone was added dropwise via the dropping funnel over a period of30 minutes. After addition the reaction was warmed to room temperatureand then stirred overnight. The reaction was cooled to 0° C. and thenquenched cautiously with 1N HCl. Deionized water (200 mL) was then addedto the reaction mixture and then the mixture was transferred to aseparatory funnel. The aqueous solution was extracted 3 times with 200mL EtOAc. The combined organic layers were then washed successively with1N HCl, saturated NaHCO3, brine, and then deionized water. The organiclayer was dried over MgSO₄. The volatiles were removed in vacuo yielding13.6 g of yellow oil. The diol was then distilled at 178° C./8 mm toyield 10.1 g (61%) (R)-1-phenyl-2,5-pentanediol. Chiral HPLC analysis(Chiralcel OD-H, 80% hexane/20% isopropanol, 1.0 mL/min, 214 nm UVdetection, (S) enantiomer eluting at 4.78 minutes and (R) enantiomereluting at 5.20 minutes) showed 94.5% e.e. (R)-1-phenyl-2,5-pentanediol.¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.51-1.58 (m, 1H), 1.69-1.77 (m, 3H), 2.12 (brs, 2H), 2.70 (dd, J=13.4 Hz, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 2.82 (dd, J=13.7 Hz, J=4.4Hz, 1H), 3.63-3.72 (m, 2H), 3.83-3.89 (m, 1H), 7.20-7.33 (m, 5H); ¹³CNMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 29.7, 34.0, 44.2, 63.2, 72.8, 126.8, 129.0,129.7, 138.5.

Example 11 (As Depicted in Schemes 9, 10 and Shown as Compound 5)

[0175] Synthesis of (R)-1-phenyl-2,5-pentanedimesylate

[0176] The chiral diol, (R)-1-phenyl-2,5-pentanediol of Example 10 (10.1g, 0.061 mole), was dissolved in 300 mL CH₂Cl₂ in a 1 liter round bottomflask equipped with a pressure equalizing dropping funnel. The flask waspurged with nitrogen and then the solution was cooled to 0° C. using anice bath. To the solution was added Et₃N (21.3 mL, 0.15 mole) viasyringe. Methanesulfonylchloride (10.4 mL, 0.135 mole) was dissolved in50 mL CH₂Cl₂ and placed in the dropping funnel. It was delivered to thediol solution over a period of 30 minutes. After addition, the reactionwas stirred 30 minutes at 0° C. and then warmed to room temperature andstirred for 4 hours. The reaction was cooled to 0° C. and then quenchedcautiously with 1N HCl. To this quenched solution was added 100 mL 1NHCl and then the reaction mixture was transferred to a separatoryfunnel. The CH₂Cl₂ layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extractedwith 300 mL CH₂Cl₂ and then the combined CH₂Cl₂ layers were washedsuccessively with 1N HCl, saturated NaHCO₃, brine, and deionized water.The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and then the solvent was removedin vacuo yielding 18.5 g (90%) (R)-1-phenyl-2,5-pentanedimesylate. Thecompound was used in the next step without further purification. ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.82-2.03 (m, 6H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 4.27(m, 2H), 4.89 (m, 1H), 7.23-7.32 (m, 3H), 7.33-7.35 (m, 2H).

Example 12 (As Depicted in Scheme 10 and Shown as Compound 8)

[0177] Synthesis of (1R, 2S)-1-methyl-2-benzyl-phospholane borane

[0178] Methylphosphine borane was distilled trap-to-trap under highvacuum at room temperature prior to the reaction. The receiving trap waskept at −78° C. during distillation. The methylphosphine borane wasweighed quickly in air (4.1 g, 0.065 mole) and then dissolved in 600 mLanhydrous THF in a 2 L round bottom flask. The flask was purged withnitrogen and then the solution was cooled to −78° C. in a dryice/acetone bath. To the solution was added n-BuLi (52 mL, 0.13 mole)via syringe over a period of 2 to 3 minutes. The reaction was stirredfor 1 hour at −78° C. Into a separate 500 mL round bottom flask wasdissolved (R)-1-phenyl-2,5-pentanedimesylate of Example 11 (18.2 g,0.054 mole) in 300 mL anhydrous THF under nitrogen. The dimesylatesolution was then added to the methylphosphine borane anion over aperiod of 2 to 3 minutes via cannula. The reaction was allowed to warmto room temperature over 2 hours and then stirred overnight. Thereaction was quenched with 1N HCl and then 600 mL diethyl ether wasadded to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was transferred to aseparatory funnel. The organic layer was separated and then it waswashed with 1N HCl, brine, and then deionized water. After drying overMgSO₄ the volatiles were removed in vacuo to yield 13 g of a yellow oil.Typical reaction mixtures contain 35% of each phospholane diastereomer.Analytical HPLC separations could be accomplished using a 150×4.6 mmBDS-Hypersil-C18 column (5 μm particle size, 120 angstrom pore size)using 65% acetonitrile/35% water as eluent, UV detection at 214 nm, anda 1 mL/min column flow. The title compound, (1R,2S)-1-methyl-2-benzyl-phospholane borane, eluted at 4.891 minutes and(1S, 2S)-1-methyl-2-benzyl-phospholane borane eluted at 4.559 minutes.The diastereomers could also be separated analytically via chiral HPLCusing a Chiracel OD-H column using 80% hexane/35% isopropanol as eluent,UV detection at 214 nm, and a 1 mL/min column flow. The title compound,(1R, 2S)-1-methyl-2-benzyl-phospholane borane, eluted at 4.804 minutesand (1S, 2S)-1-methyl-2-benzyl-phospholane borane eluted at 5.841minutes. TLC using 1.5% EtOAc/hexane gives indistinguishable separation,but TLC using 5% EtOAc/hexane showed desired diastereomer with Rf=0.18and undesired diastereomer with Rf=0.15. At higher spottingconcentrations, these spots overlap, but lower concentrations showcompletely resolved spots. Diastereomers were separated via columnchromatography over 230 to 400 mesh silica gel on 13 g of this reactionmixture. A 3.5 inch diameter column was used packed with 7.5 inchessilica gel/hexane slurry (1.5% EtOAc/hexane eluent, 200 mL fractions).(1R, 2S)-1-methyl-2-benzyl-phospholane borane (Compound 8):

[0179]¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.05-0.97 (br m, 3H), 1.25 (d, J=10.7Hz), 1.42-1.70 (m, 2H), 1.70-2.20 (m, 5H), 2.64-2.73 (m, 1H), 3.06-3.13(m, 1H), 7.17-7.29 (m, 5H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 11.8 (d,J_(C—P)=31.3 Hz), 24.4, 25.8 (d, JC-P=37.4 Hz), 25.8, 33.2, 35.4, 41.0(d, JC-P=33.6 Hz), 41.0, 126.3, 128.5, 128.8, 140.5 (d, J_(C—P=)11.5Hz); ³¹P (162 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 29.4 (m).

[0180] (1S, 2S)-1-methyl-2-benzyl-phospholane borane (Compound 9):

[0181]¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.19-1.00 (br m, 3H), 1.30 (d, J=10.3Hz, 3H), 1.38-1.44 (m, 1H), 1.61-1.74 (m, 2H), 1.96-2.10 (m, 3H),2.21-2.26 (m, 1H), 2.43-2.51 (m, 1H), 3.03-3.09 (m, 1H), 7.19-7.33 (m,5H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.9 (d, J_(C—P)=29.8 Hz), 24.7, 25.9 (d,J_(C—P)=35.9 Hz), 32.7, 34.8, 39.8 (d, J_(C—P)=34.3 Hz), 126.8, 128.8,139.9, 140.0; ³¹P (162 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 27.8 (m).

Example 13 (Shown as Compound 7 in Scheme 10)

[0182] Synthesis of 1-phenyl-2,5-pentanediol cyclic sulfate

[0183] This procedure was modified from a general procedure for thesynthesis of cyclic sulfates as described in the Journal of the AmericanChemical Society, 1991;113:8518-8519. To a solution of1-phenyl-2,5-pentanediol (5 g, 30.1 mmole) in 180 mL CH₂Cl₂ was addedSOCl2(2.75 mL, 37.8 mmole) via syringe. The resulting solution wasrefluxed for 3 hours. After cooling, the volatiles were removed on arotary evaporator. The residue was dissolved in 45 mL CC14, 90 mL CH₃CN,and 65 mL H₂O and the mixture was cooled to 0° C. in an ice bath. To thesolution was added RuCl₃ (150 mg) followed by NaIO₄ (8.1 g, 37.8 mmole).The reaction was stirred overnight and then 300 mL deionized water wasadded to the solution. The mixture was transferred to a separatoryfunnel and then extracted 3 times with 100 mL Et₂O. After a conventionalaqueous work-up, the organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and then thevolatiles were removed on a rotary evaporator. The crude product couldbe recrystallized from hot toluene. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.84-2.12(m, 4H), 2.93 (dd, J=14.2 Hz, J=6.6 Hz, 1H), 3.12 (dd, J=13.9 Hz, J=6.6Hz, 1H), 4.314.36 (m, 1H), 4.44 (m, 1H), 4.80-4.86 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.33(m, 5H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 27.4, 32.1, 41.8, 72.1, 85.4, 127.4,128.9, 129.8, 135.7; ³¹P (162 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 29.4 (m).

Example 14

[0184] Synthesis of 1,2-bis((1S,2S)-2-benzylphospholano borane)-ethane

[0185] The phosphine borane of Example 12 (2.83 g, 13.74 mmole) wasdissolved in 80 mL THF under N₂ and cooled to −78° C. To this solutionwas added s-BuLi (11.6 mL, 1.3 M cyclohexane solution reagent) viasyringe and the solution turned red. After stirring for 2 hours at −78°C., CuCl₂ powder was added to the reaction in one portion with vigorousstirring. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature over 2hours and then was stirred overnight. The mixture was quenched with 100mL conc. NH₄OH and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layerwas then extracted with 3×50 mL EtOAc. The combined organic layers werewashed with 5% NH₄OH, 1N HCl, and brine. The organic layer was thendried over MgSO₄ and the solvent removed on a rotary evaporator. Thecrude product was recrystallized 3 times from hot isopropanol to yield1.15 g/41% of the title compound. Chiral HPLC analysis (Chiralcel OD-H,80% hexane/20% isopropanol, 0.5 mL/min, 214 nm UV detection,1,2-bis((1R,2R)-2-benzylphospholano borane)-ethane eluted at 12.81 minand 1,2-bis((1S,2S)-2-benzylphospholano borane)-ethane eluted at 16.84min, and the meso compound eluted at 14.51 min) showed >99% e.e. of1,2-bis((1R,2S)-2-benzylphospholano borane)-ethane with >98% purity. ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.0-1.0 (m, 6H), 1.15-1.30 (m, 2H), 1.40-1.60 (m,6H), 1.70-1.80 (m, 4H), 1.90-2.10 (m, 6H), 2.68-2.78 (m, 2H), 2.92-2.99(m, 2H), 7.16-7.24 (m, 6H), 7.27-7.31 (m, 4H).

Example 15 (Compound 1b)

[0186] Synthesis of Free Phosphine Ligand

[0187] 1,2-bis((1S,2S)-2-benzylphospholano)-ethane

[0188] The borane protected ligand, 1,2-bis((1S,2S)-2-benzylphospholanoborane)-ethane (100 mg, 0.2439 mmole) was dissolved in 5 mL degassedCH₂Cl₂ in a schienk tube under N₂. The solution was cooled to 0° C., andthen HBF₄.Me₂O (0.45 mL, 3.66 mmole) was added dropwise via syringe. Thereaction was then warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. Thereaction was quenched with a degassed mixture of 6 mL Et₂O and 6 mLsaturated K₂CO₃. The aqueous layer was removed via pipette while N₂ wasblown across the solution. The organic layer was washed with 5 mLdegassed brine. The aqueous layer was removed via pipette and theorganic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and then filtered through basicalumina. The solvent was evaporated invacuo to yield the free phosphineas the sole product. The free phosphine was bound to rhodium immediatelyin the next step to prevent oxidation. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ0.78-0.99 (m, 4H), 1.18-1.32 (m, 6H), 1.53-1.60 (m, 4H), 1.79-1.82 (m,6H), 2.62-2.69 (m, 4H), 7.11-7.13 (m, 6H), 7.18-7.22 (m, 4H); ³¹P NMR(162 MHz, CDCl₃)-7.9.

Example 16 (As Depicted in Scheme 11 and Shown as Compound IXc)

[0189] Synthesis of Rhodium/1,2-bis((1R,2S)-2-benzylphospholano)-ethaneComplex

[0190] In a 25 m]L vial was placed [Rh(norbornadiene)₂]+BF4- (0.448mmole) under nitrogen. To the metal complex was added 2 mL MeOH viasyringe and the resulting solution was cooled to −15° C. In a separatevial, the ligand (0.448 mmole) was dissolved in 4 mL THF under nitrogenand then the resulting solution was taken up in a syringe. The ligandsolution was added dropwise to the metal complex solution over a periodof 5 minutes. The resulting solution was then allowed to warm to roomtemperature and was stirred for 2 hours. The solvent was removed invacuo and then the red powder was recrystallized from hot methanolyielding 213 mg/70% of the catalyst IXc. X-ray quality crystals weregrown from slow evaporation of a methanol solution of the catalyst.X-ray crystallography confirmed the structure and stereochemistry of thetitle catalyst. ³¹P NMR (162 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 66.5 (d, J_(Rh—P)=144.6 Hz).[Rh(norbornadiene)₂]⁺BF₄— was acquired from Johnson Matthey, Inc.located in Taylor, Mich.

Asymmetric Hydrogenation Reactions General Procedure and Example:Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Substrates

[0191] A variety of substrates were catalyzed with Compound IXc. Thesubstrates include methyl 2-acetamidoacrylate, 2-acetamidoacrylic acid,α-acetamidocinnamic acid, and 3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoic acid. Thesecompounds are generically referred to as “substrate” and the reactionschemes are shown in Schemes 14 to 17.

[0192] Compound IXc (0.01 mmole) was dissolved in 1 mL of methanol in aGriffin-Worden pressure vessel equipped with the attachments necessaryto connect to a lecture bottle. The substrate (1 mmole) was dissolved in3 mL of the same solvent and this was delivered to the catalystsolution. The solution was freeze-pump-thaw-degassed for one cycle andthen the reaction solution was warmed to 25° C. The vessel was thenpressurized to 30 psi hydrogen. Reaction completion times andenantiomeric excesses were monitored by chiral GC. After reactioncompletion, which ranged from about 15 to 45 minutes, only hydrogenationproducts were observed.

Enantiomeric Excess Determinations

[0193] Enantiomeric excess determinations were carried out via chiralgas chromatography.

[0194] N-Acetylalanine Methyl Ester

[0195] Enantiomers are separated using a chiral 40 m B-TA Chiraldexcolumn. Conditions are 120° C. isothermal for 20 minutes, injectortemperature 200° C., detector temperature 225° C., split ratio>100:1,helium carrier gas 65 mL/min. Enantiomers are separated at 12.811minutes and 14.196 minutes.

[0196] N-acetylalanine

[0197] The methyl ester of this compound is made by treatingN-acetylalanine in methanolic solution with excesstrimethylsilyldiazomethane. The enantiomeric excess of the resultingmethyl ester is analyzed as delineated for N-acetylalanine methyl ester.

[0198] N-acetylphenylalanine

[0199] The methyl ester of this compound is made by treatingN-acetylphenylalanine in methanolic solution with excesstrimethylsilyldiazomethane. The resulting methyl ester is analyzed viachiral HPLC using a Chiracel OJ column.

[0200] It should be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes amixture of two or more compounds.

[0201] The present invention should not be considered limited to theparticular examples described above, but rather should be understood tocover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attachedclaims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerousstructures to which the present invention may be applicable will bereadily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the presentinvention is directed upon review of the instant specification.

1-6 (canceled) 7 A compound of the formula

and its corresponding enantiomer, wherein: R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl,or perfluoroalkyl group each containing up to about 8 carbon atoms, acarboxylic acid group, a carboxylic ester group, an aryl group, asubstituted aryl group, an aralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkylgroup; and G is an alkyl group containing up to about 12 carbon atoms,NR′₂, OR′, SR′, or SiMe₃, wherein R′ is hydrogen, an alkyl, aryl,substituted aryl, an aralkyl group; or a ring substituted aralkyl group.8 A chiral compound of the formula

and its corresponding enantiomer, wherein: R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl,or perfluoroalkyl group each containing up to about 8 carbon atoms, acarboxylic acid group, a carboxylic ester group, an aryl group, asubstituted aryl group, an aralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkylgroup; and Bridge is a —(CH₂)_(n)— where n is an integer from 1 to 12, a1,2-divalent phenyl, or a 1,2-divalent substituted phenyl. 9 A compoundof the formula

and its corresponding enantiomer, wherein: R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl,or perfluoroalkyl group each containing up to about 8 carbon atoms, acarboxylic acid group, a carboxylic ester group, an aryl group, asubstituted aryl group, an aralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkylgroup; G is an alkyl group containing up to about 12 carbon atoms, NR′₂,OR′, SR′, or SiMe₃, wherein R′ is hydrogen, an alkyl, aryl, substitutedaryl, an aralkyl group; or a ring substituted aralkyl group; and X is Sor O. 10 A chiral compound of the formula

and the corresponding enantiomer, wherein: R is an alkyl, fluoroalkyl,or perfluoroalkyl group each containing up to about 8 carbon atoms, acarboxylic acid group, a carboxylic ester group, an aryl group, asubstituted aryl group, an aralkyl group, or a ring substituted aralkylgroup; X is S or O; and Bridge is a —(CH₂)_(n)— where n is an integerfrom 1 to 12, a 1,2-divalent phenyl, or a 1,2-divalent substitutedphenyl claims 11-26 (canceled)